Finger-combing how-to?

[coneyisland]

Are the fingers used as one would use a comb for detangling -- to work out tangles from beneath the tangles? Or is it safe practice to gently pull through (or pry apart) the tangled strands from above the tangles?

[bedazzlecat]

When finger combing I start near the scalp and when I hit a snarl I gently pull it apart with my fingertips at the tangle's middle. I usually look or feel how best to fix it. For less serious tangles I spread and wiggle my fingers as I move down, or use my thumb. Then I stroke with my fingertips to smooth everything down. I may brush or comb after.

[Kat]

Honestly? I probably don't do either properly. I do it from above. I've tried doing it from below a few times, and then instead of dealing with ONE tangle in a section of hair, I deal with tangles in the bottom three inches. Then the bottom six inches. Then the bottom nine inches. Then the bottom twelve inches. Etc. And it feels like every time I move up, tangles get pulled down further and it just never ends.

If I start at the top, everything comes together at the bottom and I deal with it ONCE.

[roxee]

I start from the bottom and work my way up, if I hit a bad tangle I just manipulate it lose with my fingers.

[mora]

When finger combing I start near the scalp and when I hit a snarl I gently pull it apart with my fingertips at the tangle's middle. I usually look or feel how best to fix it. For less serious tangles I spread and wiggle my fingers as I move down, or use my thumb. Then I stroke with my fingertips to smooth everything down. I may brush or comb after.
I do it this way as well.

[Madora]

I finger comb in the bent at the waist position, with all my hair in front of me.

I only use two fingers and start at the top, working slowly down, bit by bit.

Once all the hair has been finger combed, I then detangle gently with a wide tooth comb (starting at the ends, working up the strands, bit by bit).

[mira-chan]

I finger comb bu starting about mid way down the length and put my fingers underneath he hair. I move a bit higher with every pass. If I catch a tangle I isolate it in my hands and gently untangle it. I wouldn't call it prying apart but more strategic gentle tugging on strands until I find the one that will start separating from the others.

[ktani]

I have started at the top and the bottom, lol. It all depends on the section of hair. I only finger comb thoroughly right after washing.

The rest of the time, I gently separate my hair from the ears down as if I were going to braid it. I do finger comb the top though, to smooth it (ETA: in a straight motion as that hair never snags for me).

I use all of my fingers of one hand only except the thumb, in a "fluttering" motion. If I hit a "snag" or resistance, I stop and gently separate the hairs. I do not use a comb or a brush.

ETA:2 I do not get tangles with either catnipped hair or mineral oil/baby oiled hair and the snags are very, very few and "light" as in no effort to release them. I wear my hair down most of the time and it is past my waist, pulled down.

ETA:3 It is fine/medium, wavy and thin as in fewer folicles. It no longer looks thin, with catnip use, and now also, the baby oil use, between catnip treatments.

[coneyisland]

Thanks very much, everyone. :)

[Shesta]

What I usually do is bending to the side with all my hair over the shoulder. Then I start detangling from the middle of the length down to the ends and slightly move up and up.

Just follow your intuition - it will not mislead you ;)

[Zindell]

I start from the bottom and work my way up, if I hit a bad tangle I just manipulate it lose with my fingers.

I do exactly this too.

I just recently started finger combing and I love it! :cheese:
My hair keeps it's natural waves much better.

(I don't use any comb or brush anymore)

[saera]

I put all my hair to one side and start from the ends going up :)